You’ve probably never heard of Xerosis, but chances are you’ve come across it before. Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating conditions like severe dry skin or Xerosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this condition. Causes Xerosis is typically caused by a change in the environment. This is why it’s more common to experience Xerosis in the cold winter months, where your skin is increasingly prone to losing water. Other causes include: -Dehydration -Overdrying the skin -Bathing or showering frequently -Bathing or showering with hot water excessively -Sun exposure -Living in areas of low humidity Symptoms -Itchy, dry, and even scaly skin -Flaky skin -Skin that’s tight, especially after bathing -Irritated skin or skin with cracks Risk Factors Treatment Xerosis is a fairly common ailment, so treatment is simple as well. If you’re experiencing severe dryness, your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend using a moisture-rich lotion to apply to the area. However, if you’re Xerosis persists for more than two weeks, it may be a viral infection. Contact Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates right away for an appointment.
Older people are more susceptible to Xerosis than younger people. Aging skin is more prone to dryness because of the less active sweat glands. With higher levels of blood glucose, diabetic patients are also at a higher risk for dry skin and Xerosis.
Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Xerosis, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.
Cover
Monday, March 22, 2021
Dry Skin
Monday, March 8, 2021
When Your Child is Toe Walking
What is Toe Walking? Toe walking is when your child walks on the balls of their feet without their heels touching the floor. This condition is common amongst kids who are just beginning to learn how to walk and usually isn’t a concern because most children will outgrow it. However, if your child is still toe walking after two years old, visit Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH for an appointment today. Causes of Toe Walking Walking on tiptoes is unusual for children past two years old and causes stiffness of the ankles. Sometimes this behavior is a result of underlying conditions including: Heel Pain Your child may be toe walking because of pain in their heels. Pediatric heel pain is caused by Sever’s disease, a condition where the heel’s growth plate is heavily inflamed and swelled up. Typically, children going through early puberty or who are active in sports are at a risk for developing Sever’s disease. Short Achilles Tendon Your Achilles tendon is located on the back of your heel and extends up to your lower legs. This tendon helps your child move and walk. If an Achilles tendon is too short, that means the heel can’t reach the ground. This is why your child prefers to walk on their tip-toes instead of their feet. Other conditions that are linked to toe walking include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and muscular dystrophy. Treating Toe Walking Your Lorain, OH podiatrists pride themselves in taking care of their littlest patients, and that includes your child suffering from toe walking. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates, we will evaluate your child for the best possible treatment plan to stop toe walking. Ranging from physical therapy and stretching treatment plans to braces and footwear with special soles, Drs. Hintz and Wenowitz will help your child walk normally in no time. Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how toe walking, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.
Monday, March 1, 2021
Neuroma
If you suffer from a neuroma, you know how bothersome and painful this condition can be. Characterized as a nerve tumor between the toes, a neuroma will worsen if not treated immediately. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating all foot conditions, including neuromas.
What is a Neuroma?
Typically found in the foot between the third and fourth toes, neuromas are benign tumors made up of a collection of nerve tissues. This condition is also referred to as a pinched nerve or a nerve tumor. One of the most common neuroma conditions is known as Morton’s neuroma.
Causes
While causes are unclear, researchers have theories of why neuromas occur. These include:
-Incorrect footwear
-Damage to the nerve
-Foot deformities like arched foot
-Repeated stress on the area, such as through work
Symptoms
-Pain between toes
-Swelling
-Numbness on the ball of the foot
-Tingling sensations
Treatment
If you’re suffering from a neuroma, one of the best things you can do for yourself is check your footwear. Avoid all high heels and any shoes that put stress on your feet. Wear thick soles in the foot for extra support or try over-the-counter shoe pads to relieve pressure.
Added rest is also important for your feet. Lie down or put your feet up. Try icing them with an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Visit a podiatrist if the pain is persistent. Your Lorain, OH podiatrist will recommend special exercises, ointment, and shoe inserts as part of your treatment plan.
Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.